Life, Liberty and the Right to Pursue Happiness in Love

I don’t understand how some cultures, religions or people can tell other people whom they can or cannot love. Here in America the text of the second section of the Declaration of Independence reads: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

Article 1 of the UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS states: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of humanity."

How could there possibly be any legal question or argument to prohibit the right of some to love?

Joan of Heart

Dear Joan,Your moral arguments are both succinct and logical. While there is no universal definition of democracy, equality and freedom have always been associated as the founding principals of democratic systems.

In a democratic society freedom is secured by legitimized rights and liberties which are generally protected by a constitution. These principles are reflected in that all citizens are equal before the law. Democratic systems cannot and should not be used to take rights away from selective groups on the basis of discrimination, be it for moral or religious reasons.

Love is a democratic ideal. The inalienable right to love whomever you love, for whatever reason, is also a human right. Emotional and or mental control over others is domination and bullying. It is against human rights, against universal rights, and against the rights of US citizens to be told what to feel and for whom. The only sane argument is yes on love, no on hate. Free love from oppression and honor the dignity of love. After all, Love is still Love.